Hello

I recently brought a flair lark that was pre owned... the previous owner was able to start it with ease but he was using 15% nitro.. im only using 10 (or 5 i think) i am finding it hard to turn over with my 12v starter motor. Even with the glow plug off it is still hard (or doesn't) turn over with my starter. The engine does not bounce off the compression either.. like my other non OS engines. it feels kinda goopy as you turn it from compression to compression. I really dont want to take my engine out the cowl as that will be allot of work......

Any help ??

Adam

If the engine is stiff when it's not on compression, you'll have to remove it from the model and take a look inside it. If it's been run with a castor-based fuel, and then stored for a while, the castor oil could have congealed. It will need to be cleaned.

Another reason an engine is stiff to turn over is a bent part, usually a bent rod, but it could be a bent crank. If you take the piston/rod assembly out of the engine, and the crank turns freely, and if the piston/rod assembly moves smoothly in the cylinder liner, it's time to suspect a bent rod.

Stiff, corroded bearings are also a possibility.

Sorry, there's no easy solution to your difficulty without removing the engine from the model and at least pulling the rear cover to look inside.

Thanks for your reply Bax

when i brought the model i flew it.... he started it up and got every thing ready... no hard landings, the whole plane is in perfect condition. I think he was using a castor-based fuel as i have had to pull the plug out and empty goop from the cylinder a few times in storage (i kept it in storage for 2 weeks after i brought the moddel as i was having my radio gear checked out), It does not feel stiff as in something is bent or damaged if just does not feel as free as moving (i think because of of the castor in the cylinder) since i managed to get some om my fuel through the engine it has loosened up a bit.. so i will try and prime some more fuel through the cylinder .

Adam